“Throughout our 100-year history, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters has always been supportive of good causes in the Edmonton area,” said Larry Matychuk, Business Manager for UA 488. “We chose to support the Campaign for Prostate Health because prostate cancer is such a concern for men, and the majority of our members are male, so it seemed like a natural choice for us. We hope our donation will make a difference to the campaign.”

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. In Canada, that means more than 24,000 men every year are dealing with this difficult disease, according to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, which is delivering the $30 million Campaign for Prostate Health in collaboration with the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Men face a lengthy process of testing, consultations with doctors, and decision-making before they even begin treatment. It can often take eight months or more.

The contribution from UA Local 488 will be used to develop a urology centre, provide equipment for laboratories and help foster advancements research, education and patient care at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital.